The latest on California politics and government

October 20, 2009

Those who doubt that A) Progress is in the eye of the beholder; or B) Lawmaking is an exceedingly confusing process, should peruse the following missives this afternoon from the offices of Assembly Speaker Karen Bass and Senate Prez Darrell Steinberg, respectively:

"Speaker Bass has let Assembly members know that progress on water is continuing as language advances through the drafting process. In order to ensure an appropriate review of the language that emerges, the Assembly Water Parks and Wildlife Committee will hold the informational hearing that had been scheduled for tomorrow early next week. The Speaker and Republican Leader will update members of their caucuses as the language becomes available. We'll send out the updated hearing information as soon as it's set."

"Senator Steinberg had productive conversations on water today and will continue to work towards an agreement on a package this week. Once an agreement is reached language will be drafted and put into print and made public. The senate will then schedule a hearing to take place early next week to review the agreement with a possible floor session and vote later that week. There will not be a hearing tomorrow."

So, as near as we can understand it, they are progressing toward agreement on draft language that will be heard as soon as agreement is reached on an informational hearing to draft the language, which could come as soon as tomorrow or next week or the first Tuesday after Boxing Day, unless it rains really hard, in which case all bets are off.